COMPUTER PROGRAM COPY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Abstract

 An ID (MID) is attached to each individual optical disk, and content is encrypted with a Content-Key and registered. In addition, a system server device maintains a Client ID of a client terminal device that is owned by a user, HDD-ID of a hard disk drive (HDD), and MC-ID of a memory card as user entry information. When the user wants to copy the content, together with the optical disk MID, the MC-ID is sent to the system server side. The system server device identifies the user by referring to the MC-ID in the user entry information, and returns a Content-Key, which is used when encoding content. On the user side, content stored in the optical disk is decrypted using the returned Content-Key and copies the content to the HDD. Accordingly, copying of content is allowed only for an authorized user who is the lawful owner of the storage media.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a copy management system which performs copy management of a computer program such as game content, movie content, music content, or an application program; computer-readable storage media stored with a client terminal device information processing program; computer-readable storage media stored with a management server device information processing program; a client terminal device information processing program; a management server device information processing program; and a copy management method thereof.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] These days, video game machines playing video games based on game content stored on a storage media such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or semiconductor memory have become widely popularized.

[0003] A user purchases a storage media stored with desired game content and plays a video game by reproducing such storage media with a video game machine. In most cases, the user gradually begins to collect new video games. As time passes, this results in the user accumulating storage media stored with each game content.

[0004] However, in many cases, a video game machine is only provided with only one storage media reproducing mechanism. Therefore, in order to play a different video game, the storage media currently loaded in the video game unit must be removed, and the storage media stored with the game content to be played is loaded, which is a bothersome task.

[0005] The applicant discloses a video game machine that is capable of incorporating an internally mounted or externally attached high-capacity, for example, in the order of tens of gigabyte, hard disk drive (HDD).

[0006] In the case of such a video game machine, the game content stored in each storage media are respectively copied to the HDD and it is possible to reproduce and use the desired game content from this HDD. By using such a HDD, it is possible to eliminate the bother of loading the memory medium from the reproducing mechanism of the video game machine.

[0007] A computer program such as game content should only be usable by a user who has properly acquired software (storage media) stored with that computer program, such as by purchasing it.

[0008] However, in cases where a computer program stored on a storage media is made copyable onto a secondary storage media, the computer program stored on a single storage media may be copied by a plurality of users onto a respective secondary media and used, raising fears of unauthorized copies.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide a copy management system, which aims to prevent unauthorized use of content by performing copy management that allows copy of a computer program only by an authorized user; computer-readable storage media stored with a client terminal device information processing program; computer-readable storage media stored with a management server device information processing program; a client terminal device information processing program; a management server device information processing program; and a copy management method thereof.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0010] According to the present invention, a storage media stored with content encrypted with an encryption key is attached with a unique identification number and distributed to a user. An identification number is also attached to the device used when the user copies the content.

[0011] The above-mentioned device transmits the identification number of the above-mentioned storage media and the device ID to a management server device. The management server device comprises a database, which registers the identification number of the device used by each user. The management server device identifies the user by referencing the identification number of the device registered in the database and the identification number of the device transmitted from the user device. The management server device transmits a decryption key for decrypting content stored in the storage media to the user device when the user has been identified through this referencing.

[0012] The user device decrypts the content stored in the storage media in accordance with the decryption key distributed from the administrator side and copies the content.

[0013] Accordingly, it is possible to allow content copying by an authorized user who is the owner of the storage media, and it is possible to prevent unauthorized copy of the content.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] 

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing system configuration of a copy management system of a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of a client terminal device and a hard disk drive (HDD) configuring a copy management system;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a client terminal device;

FIG. 4 is a diagram for describing an optical disk stored with contents encrypted with a Content-Key and utilized in such copy management system;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of user registration in a copy management system;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a copy management system showing each piece of information sent/received between a client terminal device and a system server device during user registration;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating registration of a Media Unique ID (MID) included separately in an optical disk and acquisition of a Content-Key in a copy management system;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a copy management system showing each piece of information sent/received between a client terminal device and a system server device during registration of an MID included separately in an optical disk and acquisition of a Content-Key;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the flow during copying in the copy management system;

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing each piece of information sent/received between a client terminal device, a memory card, and an HDD during copying;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the reproducing operation for contents copied to the HDD in a copy management system;

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing information sent/received between a client terminal device, a memory card, and an HDD during reproducing of contents copied to an HDD;

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram for describing how a copy management system copes with repair or replacement of a client terminal device or HDD;

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram for describing how a copy management system copes with damage or loss of a memory card; and

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of a copy management system according to the second embodiment of the present invention showing each piece of information sent/received between a client terminal device and a system server device during registration of an MID included separately in an optical disk and acquisition of a Content-Key.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0015] The present invention can be applied to a copy management system, which performs copy management of a computer program.

[0016] A computer program may include, for example, game content, music content, movie content, or an application program. A storage media recorded with a computer program may include semiconductor memory as well as an optical disk such as a DVD-ROM or CD-ROM. Secondary storage media upon which a copy of a computer program is stored may include, for example, a hard disk (HD), DVD-RAM, and a magneto-optical disk (MO).

[0017] In the following, "content" will collectively refer to the above-mentioned game content, music content, movie content, or an application program.

Overall Structure of Copy Management System

[0018] To begin with, FIG. 1 shows the overall structure of a copy management system of the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the copy management system of this first embodiment includes a client terminal device 1, which comprises a function of reproducing (executing function) content stored in an optical disk and a function of network communications.

[0019] A hard disk drive 2 for copying content stored in an optical disk is connected to this client terminal device 1.

[0020] In addition, a communications modem 6 for connecting to a network such as the Internet 5 is connected to this client terminal device 1.

[0021] It is noted that the communications modem 6 may be provided in an externally attached configuration with the client terminal device 1 as shown in FIG. 1. Alternatively, the communications modem 6 may be provided internally mounted within the client terminal device 1.

[0022] In addition, the copy management system may include a system server device 4 comprising a database 3, which is stored with user entry information. The copy management system is configured by connecting this system server device 4 and the client terminal device 1 mentioned above to each other via a network such as the Internet 5.

Configuration of Client Terminal Device

[0023] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the external appearance of the client terminal device 1. As shown in FIG. 2, controller connectors 7A and 7B, and memory card loaders 8A and 8B are disposed on the front side of the client terminal device 1.

[0024] In addition, two universal serial bus (USB) terminals 9, for connection to USB compatible equipment, and an IEEE 1394 terminal 10, which is compatible with a possible data transmission rate of, for example, up to 400 Mbps, are disposed on the front of this client terminal device 1.

[0025] In addition, a tray-shaped disk loader 11, for loading an optical disk, may be disposed on the front side of the client terminal device 1.

[0026] In addition, a reset button 12 for causing the executing or reproducing of content to reset and a tray operating button 13 for operating insertion/ejection of the tray of the optical disk loader 11 are disposed on the front side of the client terminal device 1.

[0027] A power switch, an audio/video output terminal (AV multi output terminal), a PC card slot, a digital optical output terminal, and an AC power input terminal, etc. are disposed on the back panel of the client terminal device 1.

[0028] The AV multi output terminal is connected to television receiver 18, which is used as a monitor, via AV cable 17. The video signal and audio signal output from the client terminal device 1 is supplied to a television receiver 18, which is used as a monitor, via this AV multi output terminal and an AV cable 17. This allows the video of the above-mentioned content to be displayed on the television receiver 18. In addition, the audio of the above-mentioned content is emitted through the speaker device of the television receiver 18.

[0029] Controller connectors 7A and 7B are respectively connected to a controller 14 via a controller cable 15.

[0030] Memory cards for saving, which perform saving (storing) and readout of game data are loaded into the memory card loaders 8A and 8B.

Configuration of Hard Disk Drive

[0031] Next, the casing placed on the top surface of client terminal device 1 in FIG. 2 is the hard disk drive 2 (hereafter referred to as HDD 2). This HDD 2 is provided with an internal high-capacity, for example 40 GB, hard disk. Game content equivalent to that stored on tens of DVD-ROMs can be copied onto this HDD 2.

[0032] A power lamp 20, which is illuminated when the power is on, and writing indicator lamp 21, which is illuminated when the hard disk is engaged in writing, are disposed on the front panel of HDD 2. On the back panel of HDD 2, there is disposed at least a power switch and a data input/output terminal.

[0033] In the case where the HDD 2 is connected to the client terminal device 1, a PC card is inserted into the above-mentioned PC card slot disposed on the back panel of client terminal device 1. While in this state, one end of a connector cable is connected to the PC card. The other end of the connector cable is connected to the data input/output terminal of HDD 2. As a result, client terminal device 1 and HDD 2 are electrically connected to each other.

[0034] It is noted that in this example, HDD 2 is in a separate unit from client terminal device 1, and is externally attached to client terminal device 1. Alternatively, this HDD 2 may be provided internally mounted in client terminal device 1.

[0035] In addition, client terminal device 1 and HDD 2 are connected to each other via a PC card and a connector cable. Alternatively, a USB connection terminal or an IEEE 1394 connection terminal may be disposed on the back panel (or even on the front panel) of the HDD 2, and the HDD 2 and the client terminal device 1 may be connected via either of these connection terminals.

Electrical Configuration of Client Terminal Device

[0036] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of client terminal device 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the client terminal device 1 comprises a CPU 30, a graphics processor 31, and an IO processor (IOP) 32.

[0037] In addition, client terminal device 1 comprises an optical disk controller 33, which controls reproducing of an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM, and a sound processor unit (SPU) 34.

[0038] In addition, client terminal device 1 comprises a MASK-ROM 35, which is stored with an operating system program that the CPU 30 and the IOP 32 execute, and a RAM 36, which functions as a buffer that is temporarily stores the data read out from the work area of the CPU 30 or an optical disk.

[0039] In addition, the client terminal device 1 comprises a CD/DVD DSP 38, which employs error correction processing (CRC processing) on reproducing output from an optical disk that is supplied via a RF amplifier 37 of the optical disk controller 33, and outputs it.

[0040] In addition, client terminal device 1 comprises a driver 39 and a mechanical controller 40, which, for example, control such as the rotation of a spindle motor in the optical disk controller 33, control optical pickup focus and tracking, and control disk tray loading.

[0041] In addition, client terminal device 1 comprises card-shaped connector 41 to which the above-mentioned PC card is connected.

[0042] These components is connected to each other mainly by bus lines 42 and 43.

[0043] It is noted that reproducing of video content stored in a DVD-ROM is performed based on DVD driver software stored in a memory card. Alternatively, reproducing of video content may be performed based on DVD driver software burned into semiconductor memory 44 (DVD player ROM) internally mounted within the client terminal device 1.

[0044] The operating system program is stored in the MASK-ROM 35. The CPU 30 performs overall control of the client terminal device 1 based on the operating system program stored in this MASK-ROM 35.

[0045] Hardware identification numbers (hardware IDs) of the controller 14, a memory card 16, and the HDD 2, which are connected to the controller connectors 7A and 7B, the memory card loaders 8A and 8B, and the card-shaped connector 41, are stored in the MASK-ROM 35. The IOP 32 communicates with hardware such as the controller 14, the memory card 16, and the HDD 2 based on the hardware IDs stored in this MASK-ROM 35, and identifies the hardware connected to, for example, each of connection terminals 7A, 7B, 8A, and 8B, and card-shaped connector 41 and recognizes it.

[0046] It is noted that a hardware ID means an ID generically attached to each piece of hardware, in a manner such as one overall ID for the client terminal device 1, one ID for the memory card 16, and one ID for the HDD 2.

[0047] On the other hand, the Client ID, MC-ID and HDD-ID described below are hardware-specific IDs attached to each client terminal device 1, each memory card 16, and each HDD 2, respectively.

[0048] The GPU 31 performs rendering in accordance with render directions from the CPU 30, and stores the image rendered in a frame buffer not shown in the Figures. In addition, GPU 31 has a function of being used as a geometric transfer engine for performing processing such as coordinate transformation.

[0049] In the case where, for example, game content stored in a optical disk utilizes "3-D graphics", this GPU 31 generates a virtual 3-D object with the aggregation of triangle-shaped polygons. The GPU 31 then performs various calculations so as to generate an image obtained by capturing the 3-D object with a virtual camera. More specifically, GPU 31 performs, for example, perspective projection (calculation of coordinates when the apexes of each polygon configuring a three-dimensional object are projected on a virtual screen), so as to perform rendering.

[0050] In addition, the GPU 31 performs rendering into a frame buffer while utilizing the geometry transfer engine as needed in accordance with rendering instructions from the CPU 30. The video signal corresponding to this rendered image is then output (visual out).

[0051] Meanwhile, the SPU 34 comprises functions such as an adaptive differential pulse code modulation (ADPCM) decoding function, which reproduces audio data that has been subjected to adaptive prediction coding; a reproducing function, which reproduces and outputs (audio out) an audio signal such as effective sound by reproducing waveform data stored in a sound buffer; and a modulation function, which modulates and reproduces waveform data stored in a sound buffer. This SPU 34 operates as a so-called sampling sound generator. The SPU 34 generates an audio signal such as musical sound and effective sound based on waveform data stored in the sound buffer in conformity with instruction from the CPU 30.

[0052] With this sort of client terminal device 1, once the power has been turned on, the CPU 30 and the IOP 32 begin reading an operating system program for the CPU 30 and an operating system program for the IOP 32, respectively, from the MASK-ROM 35.

[0053] The CPU 30 centrally controls each component of the client terminal device 1 in conformity with the operating system program for the CPU30.

[0054] IOP 32 controls input and output of data among, for example, the controller 14, the memory card 16, and the HDD 2 in conformity with the operating system program for IOP 32.

[0055] After performing initialization processing such as a performance check, the CPU 30 controls the optical disk controller 33 to perform reproducing control of content stored in an optical disk based on the operating system program for CPU 30.

[0056] In the case where the content played back is the game content of a video game, the CPU 30 directs the GPU 31 and the SPU 34 to control display of images from the game content and sound production of, for example, effective sound and musical sound based on instructions (commands) from a player that are received from the controller 14 via the IOP 32.

[0057] In the case where the content played back is movie content, the CPU 30 directs the GPU 31 and the SPU 34 to control display of video from the movie content and sound production based on instructions from a player that are received from the controller 14 via the IOP 32.

Copy Management Operation

[0058] In a situation where content stored in an optical disk is to be copied to the HDD 2, the copy management system performs management in the following manner.

Installation of Installer

[0059] To begin with, in order to copy content stored in an optical disk to the HDD 2 with this copy management system, a copy controlling application program (installer) needs to be executed at client terminal device 1. In the case of this example, the installer is stored in the optical disk together with the content. The client terminal device 1 installs the installer before copying the content.

[0060] In the case of installing an installer, the user inserts the optical disk stored with the installer in the client terminal device 1. The CPU 30 in the client terminal device 1 reads out, automatically upon insertion of an optical disk (auto run), or in accordance with operation of the controller 14 by the user, the installer stored in the optical disk, and stores this in the memory card 16 or the RAM 36.

[0061] In the situation where the user has instructed the content stored in the optical disk to be copied, CPU 30 executes the installer stored in the memory card 16 or the RAM 36. The CPU 30 controls the copying of the content by executing this installer.

[0062] It is noted that an optical disk stored with the installer only may be manufactured by the system manufacturer side and distributed to users. Alternatively, a memory card stored with the installer may be manufactured by a system manufacturer side and distributed to users. In this case, it is possible that the installation procedure for the installer may be abbreviated. Otherwise, a ROM stored with the installer may be provided within the client terminal device 1. In this case also, it is possible that the installation procedure for the installer may be abbreviated.

Content Encryption

[0063] As shown in FIG. 4, encryption processing is employed on content stored in a optical disk using a symmetric key that differs for each content (Content-Key). In addition, besides such encryption-processed content, the optical disk may also be stored with a "Media unique ID (MID)" that is peculiar to each individual disk.

User Registration

[0064] Next, with the copy management system of this first embodiment, in the case where content is copied from an optical disk to the HDD 2, user registration is performed in system server device 4 using the "memory card ID (MC-ID)" uniquely attached to each memory card 16. When this user registration has not been performed, content copy is not authorized.

[0065] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow up to when a user performs user registration in system server device 4. FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the copy management system showing each piece of information sent/received between the client terminal device 1 and the system server device 4 through this user registration.

[0066] A user registration procedure is described forthwith using the FIG. 5 and FIG. 6. The flowchart in FIG. 5 starts with the user turning on the main power of the client terminal device 1.

[0067] In Step S1, a user connects his/her client terminal device 1 to the system server device 4 via the Internet 5.

[0068] More specifically, the Internet-connecting communications modem 6 is connected to (or internally mounted in) the client terminal device 1 as shown in FIG. 1. Once the user has designated Internet connection, the CPU 30, which is shown in FIG. 3, operates based on a predetermined world wide web browser, and establishes a communication link between the client terminal device 1 and the system server device 4 via this communications modem 6. This allows the user registration procedure to proceed to Step S2.

[0069] In Step S2, the CPU 30 transmits the identification number of the memory card loaded into client terminal device 1 (MC-ID), the identification number uniquely attached to each client terminal device 1 (Client ID), and the identification number uniquely attached to each HDD 2 (HDD-ID) to the system server device 4.

[0070] More specifically, once a communication link has been established between the system server device 4 and the client terminal device 1, the CPU 30 communicates, respectively, with the client terminal device 1, the HDD 2, and the memory card 16. Through this communication, the CPU 30 obtains, respectively, the identification number uniquely attached to the client terminal device 1 (Client ID), the identification number uniquely attached to the HDD 2 (HDD-ID), and the identification number uniquely attached to the memory card 16 (MC-ID), which is loaded in the client terminal device 1. The CPU 30 transmits these identification numbers to the system server device 4 side as shown in FIG. 6. With this, the user registration procedure proceeds to Step S3.

[0071] It is noted that data transmitted/received between client terminal device 1 and system server device 4 is encrypted based on a communication protocol such as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) to maintain secure communications.

[0072] In addition, in this example, the CPU 30 obtains the Client ID, the HDD-ID and the MC-ID by communicating with each device and transmits them to the system server device 4 side. However, the Client ID, the HDD-ID, and the MC-ID are labeled on each of the respective casings of the client terminal device 1, the HDD 2, and the memory card 16 in a manner allowing them to be visible to the user. As a result, the user may look at the Client ID, the HDD-ID and the MC-ID, manipulate the controller 14 to manually input each ID, and transmits it to the system server device 4 side.

[0073] Next, in Step S3, the system server device 4 determines whether the identification number of the memory card (MC-ID) transmitted from the user is a valid ID. In this Step S3, if the system server device 4 determines that the MC-ID transmitted by the user is a valid ID, the user registration procedure proceeds to Step S4; if it determines that the MC-ID transmitted by the user is an invalid ID, the user registration procedure proceeds to Step S7.

[0074] More specifically, the system server device 4 comprises a database 3, in which the Client IDs for all client terminal devices 1, the HDD-IDs for all HDDs 2, and the MC-IDs for all memory cards 16 are stored.

[0075] Upon transmission of each unique ID for the client terminal device 1, the HDD 2, and the memory card 16 from the user, the system server device 4 first compares the MC-ID transmitted from the user as the unique ID of the memory card 16, with each MC-ID registered in the database 3, and determines whether the same MC-ID as the MC-ID of the memory card 16 transmitted from the user is registered in the database 3.

[0076] Namely, the system server device 4 determines whether the MC-ID of the memory card 16 transmitted from the user is the same as an MC-ID duly registered in database 3.

[0077] In the case where the MC-ID of the memory card 16 that was transmitted from the user does not match any of the MC-IDs duly registered in the database 3, the system server device 4 determines that this user registration access is an unauthorized user registration access. In this case, in Step S7, system server device 4 responds by transmitting a message rejecting the user registration such as "USER REGISTRATION CANNOT BE COMPLETED WITH THIS MEMORY CARD" (notice of invalidity) to the client terminal device 1 side. With this, the user registration is terminated discontinuing the user registration procedure.

[0078] On the other hand, in the case where the MC-ID of the memory card 16 transmitted from the user matches one of the MC-IDs duly registered in database 3, in Step S4, the system server device 4 forms a User ID, which is an ID unique to the user currently accessing the system server device 4, for example using random numbers.

[0079] The System server device 4 then, as shown in FIG. 6, bundles the Client ID, the HDD-ID, and the MC-ID of the user together with the User ID, which is the ID unique to the user described above, and an MC-Key, which is described later, and registers this as "USER ENTRY INFORMATION" in database 3 of the system server device 4.

[0080] In this manner, the copy management system of this embodiment identifies and registers in database 3 each user with a combination of the three IDs of each user's client terminal device 1, HDD 2, and memory card 16.

[0081] Since it is impossible for the three IDs of the client terminal device 1, the HDD 2, and the memory card 16 to completely match up between different users, the user identification and the user registration can be reliably performed by performing user registration based on these three IDs. As a result, it is possible to provide stronger prevention against unauthorized copies of content stored in an optical disk described below.

[0082] It is noted here that it is also possible for user registration to take place through the transmission of "only the MC-ID", "only the Client ID", "only the HDD-ID", "the MC-ID and Client ID", "the MC-ID and HDD-ID", or "the Client ID and HDD-ID" to the system server device 4 side. In these cases as well, user identifications and user registrations can be reliably performed without overlapping among different users since each ID is a respectively unique ID.

[0083] Next, as the user registration procedure proceeds to Step S5, as a sign that the user registration has been duly completed, system server device 4 encrypts the User ID within the user entry information formed in the above-mentioned Step S4 with the MC-Key and returns it to the client terminal device 1 side.

MC-Key

[0084] The above-mentioned "MC-Key" is key information for encrypting data transmitted/received between the client terminal device 1 and the system server device 4. This MC-Key is pre-stored within the memory card 16 together with the MC-ID.

[0085] The MC-ID is labeled on the casing of memory card 16 in a manner allowing it to be visible to the user; however, this MC-Key is stored inside the memory card 16 so as to not be visible to the user. In addition, this MC-Key is made to be highly confidential information so that there is no chance of it being displayed or output even in cases where the user reproduces information stored in the memory card 16. Therefore, this MC-Key is made unrecognizable at user level.

[0086] In addition, the MC-Keys stored in each of the respective memory cards 16, together with the MC-IDs of all of the memory cards 16 are stored in the database 3 of the system server device 4. When the MC-Key is needed, the system server device 4 reads out the MC-Key from this database 3 and makes a reference to it. Therefore, the MC-Key never be transmitted from the client terminal device 1 to the system server device 4.

[0087] In this manner, the MC-Key is made into highly confidential information that is not recognizable at the user level and further is not transmitted/received between the client terminal device 1 and the system server device 4.

[0088] By making it unnecessary to transmit/receive the MC-Key between the client terminal device 1 and the system server device, problems such as third-party interception of the MC-Key can be prevented.

[0089] In case of returning the user ID, the system server device 4 selects the MC-Key which corresponds to the currently-accessed user's memory card 16 from the MC-Keys pre-stored in the database 3. The User ID is then encrypted using this selected MC-Key and returned to the client terminal device 1.

[0090] This MC-Key is then used for decrypting the above-mentioned User ID, Media Unique ID (MID), Content-Key, and Content-Gen-Key respectively.

[0091] The MID is an ID uniquely attached to each individual optical disk. The Content-Key is an encryption key used for subjecting content stored in an optical disk to encryption processing. The Content-Gen-Key is an encryption key used for employing re-encryption processing on content to be copied to the HDD 2.

[0092] Using the Content-Key mentioned above, the client terminal device 1 decrypts content reproduced from an optical disk. Then using the Content-Gen-Key mentioned above, the client terminal device 1 subjects the decrypted content to re-encryption processing and copies it to the HDD 2. This will be described in more detail later.

[0093] Next, the user registration procedure proceeds to Step S6, wherein the client terminal device 1 stores the User ID returned from the system server device 4 side into the memory card 16. Through this, the user all the registration procedure shown by the flowchart in FIG. 5 is completed. At this point, the User ID encrypted with the MC-Key, together with the MC-ID and the MC-Key pre-stored as shown in FIG. 6, are all stored in the memory card 16.

Registration of Media Unique ID and Acquisition of Content

[0094] Next, if it is possible to copy the content stored in the optical disk to the HDD 2 many times, then by merely lending the memory card 16 stored with the MC-ID, MC-Key and User ID to another user, this other user would also become able to copy in an unauthorized manner the content stored in the optical disk onto his/her HDD, which is undesirable.

[0095] In the case of this copy management system, when content is to be copied to the HDD 2, the user transmits the Media Unique ID (MID) uniquely attached to each individual optical disk to the system server device 4 side via the client terminal device 1. Together with registering the MID transmitted by the user, the system server device 4 transmits the Content-Key for decrypting the encrypted contents to the user. The client terminal device 1 decrypts the content stored in the optical disk using the Content-Key and copies it to HDD 2. Accordingly, the fact that this Content-Key has been received means that the content copy has been licensed for the client terminal device 1 by the system server device 4.

[0096] Upon confirmation that the Content-Key has not been previously sent for the MID received from the client terminal device 1, the system server device 4 transmits the Content-Key. Through this, the transmission of a Content-Key to the same MID can be limited to one time only.

[0097] Assume, for example, the case where a certain user, after copying contents stored in an optical disk purchased by this user himself/herself to his/her HDD 2, lends this optical disk to another user. The other user, when trying to copy the content to the HDD 2, transmits the MID of the borrowed optical disk to the system server device 4. However, on the system server device 4 side, there is history remaining which shows that the Content-Key for the MID of that optical disk has been already transmitted. In this case, the system server device 4 does not distribute a Content-Key to other users. The other users who are unable to acquire the Content-Key, is then not able to copy the content to the HDD 2. In such a manner, this copy management system prevents unauthorized content copy.

[0098] In the flowchart of FIG. 7, the flow from Media Unique ID (MID) registration to acquisition of the Content-Key by a user is shown. In addition, each piece of information transmitted/received between the client terminal device 1 and the system server device 4 during the MID registration and the Content-Key acquisition is shown in FIG. 8.

[0099] Using FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the procedure for MID registration and Content-Key acquisition is described forthwith. The procedure for MID registration and Content-Key acquisition (registration/acquisition procedure) shown in FIG. 7 is executed on the premise that the user has duly finished user registration as described earlier.

[0100] To begin with, in Step S11, the client terminal device 1 establishes a communication link with the system server device 4. Afterward, the registration/acquisition procedure proceeds to Step S12.

[0101] It is noted that in this example it is described that, after the user registration described earlier has finished, the communication link established between the client terminal device 1 and the system server device 4 is temporarily terminated, then during the execution of this registration/acquisition procedure, the communication link is once again established between the client terminal device 1 and the system server device 4.

[0102] Alternatively, it is also possible to execute this registration/acquisition procedure in continuation with the user registration described above without terminating the communication link established between the client terminal device 1 and the system server device 4. In this case, this registration/acquisition procedure skips Step S11 and proceeds to Step S12 from START.

[0103] Next in Step S12, the client terminal device 1 transmits the User ID and MC-ID acquired in the manner described earlier to the system server device 4. In addition, the client terminal device 1 transmits to the system server device 4 side the MID uniquely attached to the optical disk stored with the contents that are to be copied forthwith to the HDD 2, together with this User ID and MC-ID.

[0104] More specifically, the CPU 30 communicates with the memory card 16 and transmits the MC-ID to the system server device 4 side in the manner shown in FIG. 8. In addition, the CPU 30 reads out from the memory card 16 the User ID encrypted with the MC-Key in the manner described earlier and transmits it to the system server device 4 side. In addition, the CPU 30 encrypts the MID reproduced from the optical disk by controlling the optical disk controller 33 and transmits this to the system server device 4 side.

[0105] It is noted that the Client ID and HDD-ID may also be sent together with each of these pieces of information to the system server device 4 side. The Client ID and HDD-ID can be used together with the above-mentioned MC-ID to identify the user. By identifying the user using these three Ids that are the MC-ID, Client ID and HDD-ID, a more accurate identification of the user can be performed than when only the MC-ID is used to perform user identification.

[0106] Information to be transmitted/received between the client terminal device 1 and the system server device 4 is encrypted and transmitted/received based on a transmission protocol such as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). Through this, communications having a high level of security can be performed between the client terminal device 1 and the system server device 4.

[0107] Next, in Step S13, the system server device 4 determines whether or not the User ID transmitted from the client terminal device 1 side is a valid ID. In this Step S13, if the system server device 4 determines that the User ID is valid, this registration/acquisition procedure proceeds to Step S14. Otherwise, if in this Step S13 the system server device 4 determines that the User ID is invalid, this registration/acquisition procedure proceeds to Step S17.

[0108] More specifically, the system server device 4 refers to the database 3 based on the MC-ID (and Client ID and HDD-ID) received from the client terminal device 1 side and reads out the MC-Key corresponding to this MC-ID. Based on this MC-Key, the system server device 4 respectively decrypts User ID and MID that is encrypted with the MC-Key and sent.

[0109] As described earlier, the database 3 on the system server device 4 side is stored with, for example, the User ID, MC-ID, Client ID, and HDD-ID as user entry information. As a result, the system server device 4 retrieves user information within the database 3 based on the MC-ID (and Client ID and HDD-ID). The system server device 4 then collates the User ID within this user information with the User ID of the user currently accessing the system server device 4 side.

[0110] In the case where both of these match, the system server device 4 determines that the user currently accessing the system server device 4 side is an authorized user. With this, the registration/acquisition procedure proceeds to Step S14.

[0111] On the other hand, when the User ID within this user information in the database 3 does not match the User ID of the user currently accessing the system server device 4 side, the system server device 4 determines that User ID to be invalid. Then, in Step S7, the system server device 4 responds by transmitting a message prompting user registration to be performed again such as "USER ID INVALID. PLEASE COMPLETE USER REGISTRATION." (notice of invalidity) to the client terminal device 1 side. With this, the registration/acquisition procedure is terminated without completion.

[0112] Next, in Step S14, the system server device 4 determines whether the content stored in the optical disk of the user currently accessing it has a history of being copied in the past.

[0113] More specifically, in the case of this copy management system, all of the MIDs respectively attached to the optical disks are stored in database 3. Once the content has been copied, the system server device 4 flags the MID in database 3 to leave the copy history behind.

[0114] Therefore, after decrypting the MID, the system server device 4 detects whether MID has been flagged. With this, it is possible to determine whether the content has been copied in the past from the optical disk having that unique MID.

[0115] If that MID has not been flagged, it means that content has not been copied in the past from the optical disk to which that MID is attached. Therefore, the system server device 4 flags the MID in database 3. In addition, the system server device 4 registers this flagged MID in the user entry information for that user, and the registration/acquisition procedure proceeds to Step S15.

[0116] On the other hand, if that MID has been flagged, it means that contents have been copied in the past from the optical disk to which that MID is attached. Accordingly, in Step S17, the system server device 4 responds by transmitting a message rejecting the user registration such as "CONTENT CANNOT BE COPIED FROM THIS MEDIA" (notice of invalidity) to the client terminal device 1 side. With this, the registration/acquisition procedure is terminated without completion.

[0117] If content has not been copied in the past from that user's optical disk, then it proceeds next to Step S15. In this case, using the MC-Key of that user's memory card 16, the system server device 4 encrypts the Content-key that encrypted the content stored in the optical disk. This encrypted Content-Key is then transmitted to the client terminal device 1 side. The fact that this Content-Key has been transmitted means that the copy of the content stored in the optical disk has been licensed for the user from the system server device 4 side.

[0118] The MC-Key is uniquely attached to the memory card 16 that user has in his/her possession. Therefore, the user who is able to decrypt and use this Content-Key is only the user which has the memory card 16 stored with that MC-Key. Accordingly, the above-mentioned Content-Key can only be safely transmitted for an authorized user.

[0119] In addition, the system server device 4 reads out the Client ID of the client terminal device 1 utilized by the user and the HDD-ID of the HDD 2 based on the user entry information stored in the database 3. The system server device 4 encrypts each of these IDs using a "Content-Gen-Key" formed with, for example, random numbers and returns them to the client terminal device 1 side.

[0120] Moreover, the system server device 4 encrypts this Content-Gen-Key, which is used when encrypting the Client ID and the HDD-ID, with the MC-Key described above and returns it to the client terminal device 1 side.

[0121] As is described later in more detail, the client terminal device 1 collates the Client ID of said client terminal device 1 with the Client ID returned from the system server device 4. In addition, the client terminal device 1 collates the HDD-ID of the HDD 2, which is connected to said client terminal device 1, with the HDD-ID returned from the system server device 4. Then the client terminal device 1 verifies that the above-mentioned two Client IDs and the above-mentioned two HDD-IDs respectively mach and begins to copy the content.

[0122] Therefore, by returning a pre-registered Client ID and HDD-ID to the client terminal device 1 from the system server device 4, content copy can be made possible only with the combination of the user's client terminal device 1 and the HDD 2 that have already been registered in the database 3.

[0123] Moreover, the system server device 4 encrypts the Content-Gen-Key, which encrypted the Client ID and the HDD-ID, using the MC-Key uniquely attached to the memory card 16 held by the user and returns it to the user's client terminal device 1. Therefore, the user who is able to decrypt and use this Content-Gen-Key is only the user having the memory card 16 stored with that MC-Key. Accordingly, the above-mentioned Content-Gen-Key can be safely transmitted only for an authorized user.

[0124] Next in Step S16, the client terminal device 1 respectively stores the Content-Key encrypted by the MC-Key returned from the system server device 4 side, the Content-Gen Key encrypted by the MC-Key, and the Client ID and HDD-ID encrypted by the Content-Gen-Key in memory card 16. With this, the registration/acquisition procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7 is completed.

[0125] In this manner, this copy management system permits copy of content stored in an optical disk having an MID with no past history of being copied. Through this, copy of content stored in each optical disk is limited to one time only. Therefore a third party who has borrowed the optical disk stored with contents that have already been copied cannot copy content from that borrowed optical disk. Accordingly, unauthorized copying of content by many users from one optical disk can be prevented.

Content Copying

[0126] Next, the user is allowed to copy the content stored in the optical disk to the HDD 2 by acquiring this Content-Key.

[0127] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of this copying procedure and FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating information handled among the client terminal device 1, the HDD 2 and the memory card 16 when this content is copied. A copying procedure is described forthwith using this FIG. 9 and FIG. 10.

[0128] To begin with, the flowchart in FIG. 9, starts at the point where MID registration described earlier is completed, and a user who has acquired a Content-Key designates content copying by manipulating the client terminal device 1.

[0129] In Step S21, the IOP 32 of the client terminal device 1 reads out from the memory card 16 the Content-Key and Content-Gen-Key, which are respectively encrypted with the MC-Key, and supplies them to the CPU 30.

[0130] As described earlier, the MC-Key is respectively retained in system server device 4 and the client terminal device 1. Therefore, the CPU 30 subjects the above-mentioned encrypted Content-Key and Content-Gen-Key to decryption processing using this retained MC-Key. The CPU 30 then stores the decrypted Content-Key and Content-Gen-Key in RAM 36. With this, the copy procedure proceeds to Step S22.

[0131] In Step S22, the IOP 32 reads out the Client ID and HDD-ID, which are respectively encrypted with the Content-Gen-Key, and supplies them to the CPU 30. The CPU 30 decrypts the Client ID and HDD-ID using the earlier decrypted Content-Gen-Key.

[0132] In addition, in this Step S22, the CPU 30 collates the above-mentioned decrypted Client ID with the Client ID attached to the client terminal device 1. In addition, the CPU 30 collates the above-mentioned decrypted HDD-ID with the HDD-ID of HDD 2 connected to the client terminal device 1.

[0133] Next, in Step S23, the CPU 30 determines whether or not each of the above-mentioned Client IDs and the each of the above-mentioned HDD-IDs respectively match. If both match, then the copy procedure proceeds to Step S24 to execute the copying of content. If both do not match, the copy procedure proceeds to Step S28.

[0134] If the client ID and HDD-ID decrypted from the memory card 16 do not match the Client ID and HDD-ID of the client terminal device 1, it means that the Content ID acquisition described earlier has not performed based on the client terminal device 1 and the HDD 2 of the authorized user.

[0135] More specifically, in this case, it shows that an unauthorized user who borrowed the memory card 16 from the authorized user, is trying to copy content.

[0136] Accordingly, the CPU 30 displays a content copy rejection message such as "COPY IS NOT PERMITTED" to the user. With this, the copy procedure is terminated without completion.

[0137] Next, Step S24 is the step executed if the client terminal device 1 has detected a match between each of the above-mentioned client IDs and each of the above-mentioned HDD-IDs, respectively. In this case, using the Content-Key stored in the RAM 36, the CPU 30 decrypts the content reproduced from the optical disk by the optical disk controller 33. In addition, using the Content-Gen-Key stored in the RAM 36, the CPU 30 subjects the decrypted content to re-encryption processing and supplies it to the HDD 2.

[0138] Next, in Step S25, the HDD 2 saves (copies) the content re-encrypted using the above mentioned Content-Gen-Key as shown in FIG. 10.

[0139] Next, in Step S26, the CPU 30 of the client terminal device 1 communicates with the HDD 2 to determine whether or not copying of the content has been completed. If copying has not been completed, the CPU 30 repeatedly executes the operations in Step S24 and Step 25 described earlier to supply content to the HDD 2 until copying of the content has been completed. Once the copying of content has been completed, the copy procedure proceeds to Step S27.

[0140] In Step S27, since the copying of content has been completed, the IOP 32 deletes the Content-Key stored in the memory card 16. With this, the copy procedure ends.

[0141] In this manner, the client terminal device 1 decrypts with a Content-Key issued from the system server device 4 the content stored in the optical disk that has been encrypted with a Content Key, and copies it to the HDD 2. Then after this content has been copied, the Content-Key stored within the memory card 16 (the Content-Key issued from the system server device 4) is deleted.

[0142] As described earlier, since a copy history remains in the database 3 for the optical disk from which content has already been copied, in principle, the system server device 4 will not re-issue a Content-Key. Therefore a copy request from a third party who has borrowed an optical disk stored with content that has been copied once will be rejected by the system server device 4 based on the copy history remaining in the above-mentioned database. Also, the system server device 4 will not transmit the Content-Key to this third party.

[0143] Since the above-mentioned third party is not able to acquire the Content-Key, he/she will not be able to decrypt the content stored on the borrowed disk. Accordingly, even if the above-mentioned third party is able to copy the content onto a secondary storage media such as a HDD, such content cannot be used since he/she is not able to decrypt such. content. Accordingly, this copy management system is able to prevent unauthorized use of content.

Reproduction of Copied Content

[0144] Next, the content copied in this manner to HDD 2 can be repeatedly reproduced and used by the user.

[0145] FIG. 11 shows a flowchart illustrating the flow of a reproducing procedure for content stored on the HDD 2. In addition, FIG. 12 shows a schematic diagram of information handled among the client terminal device 1, HDD 2, and the memory card 16 during this reproducing procedure.

[0146] The flowchart in FIG. 11 starts at the point where a user who has duly completed copying of content as described earlier specifies reproduction of content.

[0147] In Step S31, the IOP 32 of the client terminal device 1 reads out the Content-Gen-Key, which is encrypted with the MC-Key described above, from the memory card 16 and supplies it to the CPU 30. The CPU 30 then decrypts and reproduces this Content-Gen-Key using the MC-Key saved on the client terminal device 1 side.

[0148] In Step S32, the IOP 32 reads out the Client ID and HDD-ID, which are encrypted with the Content-Gen-Key, from the memory card 16 and supplies them to the CPU 30. The CPU 30 decrypts the Client ID and HDD-ID using the earlier decrypted Content-Gen-Key.

[0149] Next, in this Step S33, the CPU 30 collates the Client ID decrypted with the above-mentioned Content-Gen-Key, with the Client ID attached to the client terminal device 1. In addition, the CPU 30 collates the HDD-ID decrypted with above-mentioned Content-Gen-Key, with the HDD-ID of the HDD 2 connected to the client terminal device 1.

[0150] If each of the above-mentioned Client IDs and each of the above-mentioned HDD-IDs do not respectively match, it means that another user's memory card 16, another user's client terminal device 1, or another user's HDD 2 is being used. Accordingly, in Step S35, the CPU 30 displays a content reproducing rejection message such as "CONTENT REPRODUCTION IS NOT PERMITTED" to the user. With this, the reproducing procedure is terminated without completion.

[0151] In this manner, with this copy management system, even when content copied to the HDD 2 is reproduced, the Client ID and HDD-ID are verified. For example, consider the case where a third party borrows the memory card 16 and the HDD 2 which an authorized user owns and in which content is saved. The third party connects the borrowed memory card 16 and HDD 2 to his/her own client terminal device and tries to playback contents stored within that HDD 2.

[0152] However, the Client ID stored within memory card 16 is the Client ID is that of the authorized user. As a result, since the Client ID of the third party client terminal device and the Client ID stored in memory card 16 do not match, reproduction of content stored in HDD 2 is rejected at the third party client terminal device. Accordingly, use of content copied to HDD 2 can be prevented in the case where the memory card 16 and the HDD 2 are lent out.

[0153] Next, in the case where each of the above-mentioned Client IDs and each of the above-mentioned HDD-IDs respectively match, the CPU 30 decrypts the content in HDD 2 using the Content-Gen-Key decrypted earlier, and stores this in RAM 36. With this, the reproducing procedure ends.

[0154] In the case where the content stored in the RAM 36 is, for example, game content of a video game, the CPU 30 operates in accordance with this game content. The CPU 30 then displays, for example, a character in the video game, and produces effective sound or BGM etc. Thus, the user is able to enjoy the video game based on the game content copied to the HDD 2 from the optical disk.

[0155] In the case where the video game is to be played by reproducing game content directly from the optical disk, optical disk loading must be performed each time a new video game is played. However, by copying the game content stored in the optical disk to the HDD 2 in this manner, it is possible to save loading the optical disk, which was necessary each time a user wanted to play a new video game. Thus it is possible to start up a new video game smoothly.

[0156] It is noted that after the content has been copied from the optical disk, since the Content-Key stored in the memory card 16 is deleted, the content cannot be copied again. However, the Content-Gen-Key stored in the memory card 16 is not deleted after copying has finished. Accordingly, it is possible to repeatedly play content encrypted with the Content-Gen-Key and copied to the HDD 2 by re-decrypting it using the Content-Gen-Key stored in memory card 16.

Accommodation for Device Repair/Exchange

[0157] With this copy management system, the system server device 4 controls, for example, the Client ID, HDD-ID, MC-ID (hereinafter referred to collectively as the Device ID) and User ID collectively as user entry information. However, in the case where a device such as the client terminal device 1 or the HDD 2 is exchanged due to damage, etc., the Device ID of this exchanged device is different from the Device ID registered as the user entry information. Accordingly, if a device is exchanged, although the user may be authorized, there is fear that copy or reproduction of the content using that exchanged device will become impossible.

[0158] On the other hand, this copy management system aims to prevent unauthorized use of content by maintaining the uniqueness of the Device ID. Therefore, even in the case where the device such as the client terminal device 1 or the HDD 2 is repaired and restored to its original state, it is desirable that a new Device ID, which differs from the Device ID attached before repair, is attached to the device after repair, while reliably distinguishing between a pre-repair device and a post-repair device.

[0159] However, if a Device ID is attached to a post-repair device in this manner, although the user may be authorized, there is fear that copy or reproduction of the content using that repaired device will become impossible, as in the case of exchanging devices mentioned above.

[0160] This copy management system prevents in the following manner the above-mentioned inconvenience that might appear by using a new Device ID due to device repair or exchange.

How to Cope with the Repair/Exchange of Client Terminal Devices and HDDs

[0161] FIG. 13 shows a schematic diagram for describing how to cope with the repair/exchange of a client terminal device and a HDD in this copy management system. In FIG. 13, the client terminal device 1 and the HDD 2 with the "X" drawn thereon are damaged devices.

[0162] In FIG. 13, when a device is damaged, the user sends the damaged device together with the memory card 16 to a repair center on the administrator side, which manages this copy management system.

[0163] Even though in this case the memory card 16 is not damaged, the Content-Gen-Key, and the Client ID and HDD ID encrypted with the Content-Gen-Key are stored in the memory card 16. Therefore, even in the case where it is the device that is damaged, the memory card 16 should be sent (or brought) in the above-mentioned repair center together with the damaged device.

[0164] At the repair center, once the malfunctioning device is sent in, this device is repaired/exchanged so that it operates regularly and a new Device ID is attached to the repaired/exchanged device.

[0165] More specifically, the Client ID of the client terminal device 1 is stored in MASK-ROM 35 with the above-mentioned Hardware ID and the operating system program. In addition, a MASK-ROM similar to the above-mentioned MASK-ROM 35 is also provided within the HDD 2, and the HDD-ID is stored in this MASK-ROM. As a result, at the repair center, in the case where the device is repaired, the MASK-ROM provided before the repair is removed and by exchanging it with a MASK-ROM stored with a new client ID or HDD-ID, a new client ID or HDD-ID is attached.

[0166] It is noted that in the case where the device itself is exchanged with a new device, since a Device ID differing from that of the damaged device is stored in the MASK-ROM of this new device, exchange of the MASK-ROM that is performed on repairing as described above is not performed.

[0167] Next, an operator at the repair center reproduces the MC-ID of the memory card 16 sent in with the damaged device. The operator accesses the above-mentioned database 3 of the system server device 4 via a terminal device provided in the repair center, and based on the MC-ID reproduced from the above-mentioned memory card 16, refers to the user entry information stored in the above-mentioned database 3. The operator then operates the terminal device to perform repair registration of the newly attached Device ID into the Device ID of the user entry information stored in database 3. In addition, the operator manipulates database 3 via the terminal device and remove the flags of the copied contents.

[0168] In addition, the operator operates the terminal device to delete the Content-Gen-Key encrypted with the MC-Key, and the Device ID (Client ID and HDD-ID) encrypted with the Content-Gen-Key, which are both stored within the memory card 16. This memory card 16 is then sent (handed) back to the user together with the repaired/exchanged device.

[0169] Thus, the state of the user's device (the client terminal device 1, the HDD 2 and the memory card 16) then is thereby returned to the state immediately after ending the user registration procedure described using FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 (which is the same as the state immediately before copying the content).

[0170] The user to whom the memory card 16 and the device are sent back then operates the client terminal device 1 so as to once again perform registration of the Media Unique ID (MID) and acquisition of a Content-Key, which are described in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8.

[0171] The Client terminal device 1 accesses the system server 4 according to its operation by the user, and performs MID registration. The Client terminal device 1 once-again copies to the HDD 2 the content stored in the optical disk using the content key obtained from the system server device 4 through this registration.

[0172] With this, even in the case where a device is newly attached to a device due to repair/exchange of the device, as long as the user is authorized, it is possible to execute copy or reproduction of content based on the new Device ID.

[0173] In addition, on the copy management system side, by the attachment of a new Device ID to a device restored to its original state through repair or exchange, a pre-repair device and a post-repair device can be reliably distinguished.

How to Cope with Memory Card Damage/Loss

[0174] This copy management system handles damage or loss of the memory card 16 in the following manner. FIG. 14 shows a schematic diagram for how to cope with damage/loss of the memory card 16 in this copy management system. In FIG. 14, the memory card 16 shown within the dashed-line frame is the damaged or lost memory card 16.

[0175] In the case where the memory card 16 has been damaged or lost, the user connects the client terminal device 1 to the system server device 4 via the Internet 5, and sends a request to reissue a memory card to the system server device 4, as shown in FIG. 14.

[0176] Once this request has been made, the system server device 4 sends User ID input screen data to the client terminal device 1 side. Through this, the user's client terminal device 1 displays the User ID input screen on the television receiver 18.

[0177] The user then inputs his/her User ID on this input screen. However, in this case, since the memory card 16 is damaged or lost, the User ID cannot be read out from the memory card 16. Therefore, the user enters the User ID that, for example, he/she wrote down on a memo pad when the User ID was issued and enters that User ID. The system server device 1 sends this input User ID to the client terminal device 4.

[0178] The system server device 4 refers to the user entry information in the database 3 that corresponds to the User ID transmitted from the user. Through this, the system server device 4 can recognize the content copied using the Content-Gen-Key and the memory card 16, together with the MC-ID and MC-Key of the damaged/lost memory card 16.

[0179] Next, the system server device 4 reregisters the new MC-Key (New-MC-Key), the Content-Gen-Key newly encrypted with this New-MC-Key, and the Client ID and HDD-ID encrypted with this Content-Gen-Key for a memory card 16new having the new MC-ID. In addition, the system server device 4 performs rewriting of the MC-ID and MC-Key so that the user entry information stored in database 3 becomes user entry information that corresponds to this new memory card 16new.

[0180] It is noted that in this case memory card 16 has been damaged or lost, but the user's client terminal device 1 and HDD 2 operate as normal. Therefore, the original device ID can be used as is for the Client ID and HDD-ID encrypted by the Content-Gen-Key.

[0181] Next, the repair center physically sends this memory card 16new, for example by mail, to the user side. As described earlier, on the system server device 4 side, not only is each piece of information within this memory card 16new overwritten, but the user entry information in database 3 is also overwritten. Accordingly, the user who receives the sent memory card 16new can perform copying of content and playback of the copied content as before using the system comprising a combination of this memory card 16new, client terminal device 1, and HDD 2.

[0182] As it has been made clear from the above description, with the copy management system of this first embodiment, a system administrator stores the content to which encryption processing with a Content-Key has been employed, in an optical disk to which a Media Unique ID (MID) has been attached and distributes the optical disk to a user.

[0183] The user transmits the MID of the optical disk to the system server device 4 when copying the content. In addition, the user transmits the Device ID (Client ID, HDD-ID, MC-ID, etc.) of the device he/she is using to the system server device 4.

[0184] The System server device 4 stores the MID of the optical disk, which has had its content previously copied, in database 3 in connection with the Device ID of the device used by each user. When a request to copy content is made by the user, the system server device 4 refers to the database 3 based on the Device ID of the device used by each user and the MID of the optical disk. Provided the same MID has not been registered within the database 3, the system server device 4 transmits to the user's client terminal device 1 the Content-Key for decrypting the content.

[0185] The client terminal device 1 decrypts the content stored in the optical disk using this Content-Key and copies it to the HDD 2.

[0186] In the case where this copy management system notices an MID that is the same as the MID registered within database 3 and a copy request has been made, the above-mentioned Content-Key is not distributed. Therefore, this copy management system can limit content copying to one time only and can prevent unauthorized content copying.

Second Embodiment

[0187] Next, a copy management system of the second embodiment of the present invention is described forthwith. The copy management system of the first embodiment described above performs user registration by having the user connect his/her own client terminal device 1 directly to the system server device 4 on the system administrator side, and perform content copying by acquiring, for example, a Content-Key.

[0188] With the copy management system of this second embodiment, however, a third party management server device 3, which a third party manages, is provided between the user's client terminal device 1 and the system server device 4 on the system administrator side. The user acquires a Content-Key or the like via this third party management server device. The third party management server device then charges for the provision of this Content-Key or the like.

Configuration of Second Embodiment

[0189] FIG. 15 shows the system block diagram of the copy management system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 shows the flow of acquiring a Content-Key when copying content from an optical disk.

[0190] In FIG. 15, the system server device 4 and a third party management server device 50 are connected to each other via, for example, a dedicated line or a Virtual Private Network (VPN) that allows a public telephone line to be used as a dedicated line.

[0191] In addition, though the system server device 4 is not connected to the Internet 5, this third party management server device 50 is connected to the Internet 5. Accordingly, since the user cannot access to the system server device 4 directly, the user needs to accesses to the system server device 4 via this third party management server device 50.

Operation of Second Embodiment

[0192] Next, the operation according to the copy management system of the second embodiment of the present invention is described forthwith. In the case of the copy management system of this second embodiment, a user attempting to copy content from an optical disk connects his/her own client terminal device 1 to the third party management server device 50 via the Internet 5. The user then transmits an MC-ID, User ID and Media Unique ID (MID) to the third party management server device 50 side via the client terminal device 1. In addition, the user transmits account information (for example User Name and Password) for the third party management server device 50 to the third party management server device 50 via the client terminal device 1.

[0193] The client terminal device 1 sends this MC-ID and the account information as is to the third party management server device 50. In addition, the client terminal device 1 encrypts User ID and the MID of the optical disk using MC-Key and sends them to the third party management server device 50.

[0194] The third party management server device 50 extracts the account information from each piece of information transmitted from the client terminal device 1. In addition, the third party management server device 50 transmits the MC-ID, the User ID encrypted with the MC-Key, and the MID encrypted with the MC-Key to the system server device 4 via a dedicated line (or the above-mentioned VPN).

[0195] Once the system server device 4 receives this MC-ID, User ID, and MID, it encrypts a Content-Key, which is for decrypting content encrypted in a similar manner as that described earlier and stored in the optical disk, using the MC-Key and returns it to the third party management server device 50. In addition, the system server device 4 encrypts a Content-Gen-Key with the MC-Key and returns it to the third party management server device 50. The system server device 4 further encrypts the user's Client ID and HDD-ID with the Content-Gen-Key and returns them to the third party management server device 50.

[0196] The third party management server device 50 respectively transfers the Content-Key encrypted with the MC-Key, the Content-Gen-Key encrypted with the MC-Key, and the user's Client-ID and HDD-ID encrypted by the Content-Gen-Key to the user's client terminal device 1 via the Internet 5.

[0197] The third party management server device 50 charges the user a fee for providing the Content-Key based on the account information for the third party management server device 50 transmitted earlier from the client terminal device 1.

[0198] The client terminal device 1 stores the Content-Key, Content-Gen-Key, Client ID and HDD-ID transmitted from the third party management server device 50 in the memory card 16 and uses them, as described earlier, for copying content and reproducing copied content.

[0199] On the third party management server device 50 side, for example, the user's credit card number or information about a prepaid amount has been pre-registered. Accordingly, the third party management server device 50 bills and collects from the credit card company the amount charged for the provision and delivery of the Content-Key. Otherwise, the third party management server device 50 deducts the amount of the charge from the prepaid balance.

[0200] The money collected in this manner is distributed based on predetermined percentages between, for example, the system server device 4 administrator and the third party management server device 50 administrator.

[0201] In this manner, the copy management system of this second embodiment provides a third party management server device 50 between the client terminal device 1 and the system server device 4. The user requests distribution of a Content-Key by accessing the system server device 4 via this third party management server device 50. The third party management server device 50 distributes this Content-Key and charges the user for it.

[0202] As a result, besides being able to provide a novel copy management system which is a copy management system in which a third party (the third party management server device 50 administrator) intervenes, this copy management system can obtain the same results as the copy management system of the previously described first embodiment.

[0203] In addition, with this copy management system, by charging for the content when distributing the Content-Key to the user, content can be distributed to users free of charge via an optical disk or a predetermined network.

[0204] It is noted that in this copy management system, it is also possible for an optical disk to be distributed to a user without an MID being attached, and then when the user requests to copy it, the system server device 4 or the third party management server device 50 can distributes the Content-Key to the user and charge for it.

[0205] In addition, with the copy management system of this second embodiment, the third party management server device 50 is set up to carry out the charging; however, it is also possible for the system server device 4 to carry out the charging.

[0206] Finally, the present invention is not meant to be limited in any way by the embodiments described above by way of example. Accordingly, it is also appended herein that even if there are additional embodiments besides those mentioned above, various modifications thereto according to design and such can be naturally made without deviating from the technical spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0207] For example, in the above-mentioned embodiments, the client terminal device 1 transmits to the system server device 4 the client ID, HDD-ID, and MC-ID as device identification information. However, only the client ID can be transmitted from the client terminal device 1 to the system server device 4. In the same manner, only the HDD-ID can be transmitted from the client terminal device 1 to the system server device 4. Likewise, only the MC-ID can be transmitted from the client terminal device 1 to the system server device 4.

[0208] Further, the client ID together with the HDD-ID can be transmitted from the client terminal device 1 to the system server device 4. In the same manner, the client ID together with the MC-ID can be transmitted from the client terminal device 1 to the system server device 4. Likewise, the HDD-ID together with the MC-ID can be transmitted from the client terminal device 1 to the system server device 4.

[0209] Namely, the above-mentioned copy management system of the each embodiment prevents unauthorized copy of the content by managing the storage media stored with the content to be copied in a state of being associated with the device used for copying the content. Therefore, the device identification information that is transmitted from the client terminal device 1 to the system server device 4 should be at least the information that can specify users.

[0210] Though the memory card 16 is used in the above-mentioned embodiments, it is not always necessary with the copy management system. In the case the memory card 16 is not used, the Content-Key and Content-Gen-Key stored in the memory card 16 can be stored in the internal memory of the HDD 2 or the client terminal device 1.

INDUSTRIAL APLICABILITY

[0211] The present invention can be applied to a copy management system that performs copy management of a computer program.

Claims

1. A copy management system, comprising:

a storage media, which is stored with content encrypted with an encryption key, is attached with unique media identification information, and is distributed from an administrator side to a user;

a terminal device for user, which comprises copy means for decrypting the content stored in the storage media by a decryption key corresponds to the encryption key and copying decrypted content to secondary storage media, and which transmits predetermined and unique device identification information together with the media identification information when copying the content;

a management server device, which transmits the decryption key to the terminal device of the user that includes the device identification information when receiving the media identification information.

2. The copy management system according to claim 1, wherein
   the management server device transmits the decryption key only once per one piece of media identification information.

3. The copy management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein
   the terminal device transmits, as the device identification information, at least one or a combination of identification information attached to the terminal device, the identification information attached uniquely to the copy means that performs copying of the content, and the identification information uniquely attached to a semiconductor memory connected to the terminal device externally.

4. The copy management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein
   the management server device encrypts the decryption key by the device identification information, and
   the terminal device decrypts the encrypted decryption key with own device identification information and uses it for decrypting the content.

5. The copy management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein
   the terminal device deletes the decryption key after decrypting the content.

6. The copy management system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein
   the management server device transmits a re-encryption key for re-encrypting the content to be copied;
   the terminal device re-encrypts the content decrypted with the decryption key using the re-encryption key and copies it;
   the terminal device stores the re-encryption key in a storage means; and
   the terminal device decrypts the copied content with the re-encryption key stored in the storage means and reproducing it when reproducing the copied content.

7. The copy management system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein
   the management server device manages transmission of the decryption key by storing in a database, in a state of being associated with device identification information of each user's terminal device, the media identification information that shows the decryption key has been already transmitted; and
   the management server device overwrites old device identification information registered in the database with new device identification information when the device identification information of a user is changed due to repair or exchange.

8. The copy management system according to any one of claim 1 to 7, wherein
   the management server device performs predetermined charge processing to a user who owns a terminal device to which transmission of the decryption key is performed.

9. The copy management system according to any one of claim 1 to 8, further comprising:

intermediating server device, which intermediates in the transmission/reception of information between the terminal device and the management server device, and which performs charge processing to the user at least when the decryption key is transmitted to the terminal device of the user.

10. A computer readable storage media, which has been stored with an information processing program for a client terminal device,
   the information processing program, comprising:

a step of reading out corresponding media identification information from a storage media attached with unique media identification information and stored with content encrypted with an encryption key;

a step of reading out device identification information uniquely attached to a device used when a user performs copying of the content;

a step of transmitting to a server device of an administrator side at least the read out media identification information and device identification information;

a step of receiving a decryption key returned from the administrator side server device through transmission of the media identification information and device identification information;

a step of performing decryption processing of content stored in the storage media using the received decryption key; and

a step of copying decrypted content.

11. The computer readable storage media, which has been stored with an information processing program for a client terminal device, according to claim 10, wherein
   the step of receiving a decryption key comprises a step of receiving a decryption key, which is encrypted with device identification information of a user device and transmitted; and
   the step of performing decryption processing of the content comprises: a step of performing decryption processing of the encrypted decryption key using device identification information of own device; and a step of performing decryption processing of the content stored in the storage media using the decryption processed decryption key.

12. The computer readable storage media, which has been stored with an information processing program for a client terminal device, according to claim 10 or 11, further comprising:

a step of deleting the decryption key after copying the content.

13. The computer readable storage media, which has been stored with an information processing program for a client terminal device, according to any one of claims 10 to 12, further comprising:

a step of receiving a re-encryption key for re-encrypting the content to be copied, which is transmitted from the management server device;

a step of re-encrypting with the re-encryption key the content decrypted with the decryption key and copying it;

a step of storing the re-encryption key in a storage means; and

a step of decrypting the copied content with the re-encryption key stored in the storage means and reproducing it when reproducing the copied content.

14. The computer readable storage media, which has been stored with an information processing program for a client terminal device, according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein
   the step of transmitting the media identification information and device identification information comprises a step of transmitting, as the device identification information, at least one of identification information attached uniquely to the terminal device which a user uses, the identification information attached uniquely to secondary storage media which the content is to be copied, and the identification number attached uniquely to a memory attached to the terminal device externally.

15. A computer readable storage media, which has been stored with an information processing program for a management server device,
   the information processing program comprising:

a step of receiving device identification information, which is sent from a user device and which is uniquely attached to the user device, and media identification information uniquely attached to a storage media stored with content encrypted with an encryption key;

a step of detecting whether the received media identification information is registered in a database registered with media identification information cf storage media having the content that is copied in a state of being associated with device identification information of each user device; and

a step of transmitting a decryption key for decrypting the content to a user device when non-registration of the device identification information is detected.

16. The computer readable storage media, which has been stored with an information processing program for a management server device, according to claim 15, further comprising:

a step of registering in the database the media identification information that shows the decryption key is transmitted in a state of being associated with device identification information of a user device to which the decryption key is transmitted.

17. The computer readable storage media, which has been stored with an information processing program for a management server device, according to claim 15 or 16, wherein
   the step of transmitting the decryption key comprises a step of encrypting the decryption key with device identification information of the user device and transmits the encrypted decryption key.

18. The computer readable storage media, which has been stored with an information processing program for a management server device, according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein
   the step of transmitting the decryption key comprises a step of transmitting a re-encryption key for re-encrypting the content to be copied.

19. The computer readable storage media, which has been stored with an information processing program for a management server device, according to any one of claims 15 to 18, further comprising:

a step of overwriting old device identification information registered in the database with new device identification information when new device identification information is applied to the user device due to repair or exchange.

20. The computer readable storage media, which has been stored with an information processing program for a management server device, according to any one of claims 15 to 19, further comprising:

a step of charging a user to whom the decryption key has been transmitted.

21. The computer readable storage media, which has been stored with an information processing program for a management server device, according to any one of claims 15 to 20, wherein
   the step of receiving the media identification information and device identification information comprises a step of receiving, as the device identification information, at least one of identification information attached uniquely to the terminal device which user uses, the identification information attached uniquely to secondary storage media in which the content is to be copied, and the identification number attached uniquely to a memory attached to the terminal device externally.

22. A copy management method comprising the steps of:

transmitting to a management server device, device identification information and media identification information from a device when copying content encrypted with an encryption key and stored in a storage media having uniquely attached media identification information by a user device having uniquely attached device identification information;

detecting by the management server device whether or not the media identification information that is transmitted from the user device is registered in a database registered with media identification information of storage media having the content that has been copied in a state of being associated with device identification information of each user device; and

transmitting a decryption key for decrypting the content to the user device when non-registration of the media identification information is detected.

23. An information processing method for a client terminal device, comprising the steps of:

reading out media identification information from a storage media attached with unique media identification information and which is stored with content encrypted with an encryption key;

reading out device identification information uniquely attached to a device used when a user performs copying of the content;

transmitting to an administrator side server device at least the read out media identification information and device identification information;

receiving a decryption key returned from the administrator side server device through transmission of the media identification information and device identification information;

performing decryption processing of content stored in the storage media using the received decryption key; and

copying the decrypted content.

24. An information processing method for a management server device, comprising the steps of:

receiving device identification information, which are sent from a user device and which is uniquely attached to the user device, and media identification information uniquely attached to a storage media stored with content encrypted with an encryption key;

detecting whether or not the received media identification information is registered in a database registered with media identification information of storage media having the content that has been copied in a state of being associated with device identification information of each user device; and

transmitting a decryption key for decrypting the content to a user device when non-registration of the media identification information is detected.

25. An information processing program for a client terminal device, comprising:

a step of reading out media identification information from a storage media attached with unique media identification information and which is stored with content encrypted with an encryption key;

a step of reading out device identification information uniquely attached to a device used when a user performs copying of the content;

a step of transmitting to an administrator side server device at least the read out media identification information and device identification information;

a step of receiving a decryption key returned from the administrator side server device through transmission of the media identification information and device identification information;

a step of performing decryption processing of content stored in the storage media using the received decryption key; and

a step of copying the decryption processed content.

26. An information processing program for a management server device, comprising:

a step of receiving device identification information, which are sent from a user device and which is uniquely attached to the user device, and media identification information uniquely attached to a storage media stored with content encrypted with an encryption key;

a step of detecting whether or not the received media identification information is registered in a database registered with media identification information of storage media having the content that has been copied in a state of being associated with device identification information of each user device; and

a step of transmitting a decryption key for decrypting the content to a user device when non-registration of the media identification information is detected.

Amended claims

Amended claims under Art. 19.1 PCT

1. (Amended) A copy management system, comprising:

a storage media, which is stored with predetermined content, and which is attached with unique media identification information;

a user terminal device, which comprises copy means for copying the content stored in the storage media to first storage device that comprises the user terminal device, and which transmits unique device identification information attached to the user terminal device together with the media identification information of the storage media;

a server device, which transmits copy enabling information for enabling copy of content corresponding to the media identification information against the user terminal device corresponding to the device identification information when receiving the media identification information and the device identification information.

2. (Amended) The copy management system according to claim 1, wherein the server device transmits the copy enabling information only once against one media identification information.

3. (Amended) The copy management system according to claim 2, wherein
   the user terminal device transmits, as the device identification information, at least one of identification information attached uniquely to the user terminal device, first identification information of the first storage device, and second identification information uniquely attached to second storage device that comprises the user terminal device.

4. (Amended) The copy management system according to claim 1, wherein
   the server device encrypts the copy enabling information to be transmitted by the device identification information, and
   the user terminal device decrypts the encrypted copy enabling information with the device identification information transmitted to the server device and uses the decrypted copy enabling information.

5. (Amended) The copy management system according to claim 1, wherein the user terminal device deletes the copy enabling information after copying the content.

6. (Amended) The copy management system according to claim 1, wherein
   the server device transmits an encryption key for encrypting the content to be copied;
   the user terminal device encrypts the content using the encryption key and copies the encrypted content to the first storage device;
   stores the encryption key in a storage means; and
   decrypts the content copied to the first storage device with the encryption key stored in the storage means and reproducing the decrypted content when reproducing the copied content.

7. (Amended) The copy management system according to claim 1, wherein the server device stores the media identification information that transmission of the copy enabling information is completed in a database, in a state of being associated with device identification information uniquely attached to each user's user terminal device; and
   overwrites old device identification information registered in the database with modified device identification information when the unique device identification information of the user terminal device is modified due to repair or exchange.

8. (Amended) The copy management system according to claim 1, wherein
   the server device performs predetermined charge processing against a user who owns user terminal device to which transmission of the copy enabling information is performed.

9. (Amended) The copy management system according to claim 1, further comprising:

intermediating server device, which intermediates in the transmission/reception of information between the user terminal device and the server device, and which performs charge processing for the user at least when the copy enabling information is transmitted to the user terminal device.

10. (Amended) A computer readable storage media, which has been stored with a user terminal device information processing program,
   the information processing program, comprising:

a step of reading out media identification information stored content and stored unique media identification information;

a step of reading out device identification information uniquely attached to a device that comprises user terminal device used when a user performs copying of the content;

a step of transmitting to a predetermined server device at least the read out media identification information and device identification information;

a step of receiving a copy enabling information for enabling copy of the content returned from the server device through transmission of the media identification information and device identification information; and

a step of copying content stored in the storage media to first storage device that comprises the user terminal device using the received copy enabling information.

11. (Amended) The storage media according to claim 10, wherein
   the copy enabling information is encrypted by the transmitted device identification information, and
   the information processing program further comprises a step of decrypting the received copy enabling information using the transmitted device identification information.

12. (Amended) The storage media according to claim 10, further comprising:

a step of deleting the copy enabling information after copying the content.

13. (Amended) The storage media according to claim 10, further comprising:

a step of receiving an encryption key for encrypting the content to be copied, which is transmitted from the server device;

a step of encrypting with the encryption key the content and copying the encrypted content;

a step of storing the encryption key in a storage means; and

a step of decrypting the copied content with the encryption key stored in the storage means and reproducing the decrypted content when reproducing the copied content.

14. (Amended) The storage media according to claim 10, wherein
   the step of transmitting the media identification information and device identification information comprises a step of transmitting, as the device identification information, at least one of identification information attached uniquely to the user terminal device first identification information of the first storage device, and second identification number attached uniquely to second storage device that comprises the user terminal device.

15. (Amended) A computer readable storage media, which has been stored with a server device information processing program,
   the information processing program comprising:

a step of receiving device identification information which is uniquely attached to a device that comprises a user terminal device, and media identification information uniquely attached to a storage media stored with predetermined content, the media identification information and device identification information are sent from the user terminal device;

a step of detecting whether or not the received media identification information is registered in a database registered with media identification information of storage media having the content thereof copied in a state of being associated with corresponding device identification information; and

a step of transmitting copy enabling information for enabling copy of the content to a user terminal device corresponding to the received device identification information when non-registration of the media identification information is detected.

16. (Amended) A user terminal device information processing program to be executed by a computer, comprising:

a step of reading out media identification information from a storage media, the storage media stores predetermined content and is attached with unique media identification information;

a step of reading out device identification information uniquely attached to a device that comprises user terminal device used when a user performs copying of the content;

a step of transmitting to a predetermined server device at least the read out media identification information and device identification information;

a step of receiving a copy enabling information for enabling copy of the content returned from the server device through transmission of the media identification information and device identification information; and

a step of copying content stored in the storage media to first storage device that comprises the user terminal device using the received copy enabling information.

17. (Amended) A server device information processing program to be executed by a computer, comprising:

a step of receiving device identification information which is uniquely attached to a device that comprises a user terminal device, and media identification information uniquely attached to a storage media stored with predetermined content, the media identification information and device identification information are sent from the user terminal device;

a step of detecting whether or not the received media identification information is registered in a database registered with media identification information of storage media having the content thereof copied in a state of being associated with corresponding device identification information; and
   a step of transmitting copy enabling information for enabling copy of the content to a user terminal device corresponding to the received device identification information when non-registration of the media identification information is detected.

18. (Amended) A copy management method comprising the steps of:

transmitting to a server device, device identification information uniquely attached to a device that comprises a user terminal device together with media identification information when copying content stored in a storage media having uniquely attached the media identification information;

detecting by the server device whether or not the media identification information that is transmitted from the user terminal device is registered in a database registered with media identification information of storage media having the content thereof copied in a state of being associated with corresponding device identification information; and

transmitting a copy enabling information for enabling copy of the content from the server device to the user terminal device corresponding to the transmitted device identification information when non-registration of the media identification information is detected.

19. (Deleted)

20. (Deleted)

21. (Deleted)

22. (Deleted)

23. (Deleted)

24. (Deleted)

25. (Deleted)

26. (Deleted)

Drawing